Scenes from H&M's opening at International Plaza

We knew the local fashion scene was going to go a little nutty over the opening of H&M at International Plaza. It's not like we've been waiting for years for the store's infamous hot designs and cheap prices to come to Tampa or anything.

But crowds stretching all the way to the parking lot? As many as 1,000 lined up before the doors opened? This block party got a little out of control. Guest Deal Diva Nicole Zakrzewski was on the scene to tell us all about it!

Sure, the opening of H&M in Tampa was exciting. But the free shirts and gift cards are what caused shoppers to skip work and school for a good deal. The first shoppers in line arrived as early as eleven Wednesday night. Cicely Jeter got in line at 4:45 a.m. and later teamed up with Markus Aurelio.

“It’s like black ops, where getting in line is a battle. We’ve been texting all morning to establish our strategies,” commented Aurelio.

The first hundred people in line were armed with lawn chairs and coffee in oversized Thermoses, training for Black Friday’s festivities.

A DJ and a street team of about forty employees helped to keep energy levels high, along with the free 5 Hour Energys. Every ten minutes a wave of cheers would roll through the crowd, as if there were a roller coaster on the lower level.

Someone commented, “I thought we were in a recession.” True enough. H&M’s prices are exactly what has built up its clientele. Opening offers included a bandage skirt for as low as $10, and a ruched tank for $5.

“The first time that I went to H&M was in New York and I fell so in love with it that I went to all seven locations in NYC. What’s great about it is the quality and prices, even if you spend $200, you get so much for your money,” Jeter said.

I would prefer camping out for the release of Versace for H&M next Saturday. But if Thursday's crowds were any indication, it might be worth trying to buy the collection online.

About the bloggers

Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is produced by the editorial staff of the Times and is not tied to advertising. E-mail us ideas you'd like us to write about.

Stephanie Hayes , addicted to heels for 15 years, has been experimenting with ballet flats, boots and cute sneakers lately. Her poor, tired feet thank her. She can never get enough animal print, and her eye shadow collection has become a bit of a hoard. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She knows a healthy swipe of red lipstick can make any outfit better. She can be reached at (813) 226-3394 or shayes@tampabay.com.

Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at (850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..

Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.

From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.